Rare occurrence of Guillain-Barré syndrome after Moderna vaccine

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 May 9;15(5):e249749. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249749.

Abstract

A Caucasian man in his 60s with a medical history significant for ruptured left middle cerebral artery aneurysm status post clipping 2005 with residual right eye blindness and right leg weakness with gait instability presented with loss of balance, weakness of his legs and fatigue for 3 days. No other antecedent event was identified other than receiving Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 4 weeks before the presentation and 3 days before symptom onset. CT head and CT angiogram of the head and neck were performed and demonstrated no acute intracranial bleeding and no vascular abnormalities. With the findings of diffuse hyporeflexia and cerebrospinal fluid showing albumino-cytological dissociation, Guillain-Barré syndrome was high on the differentials. Electromyogram showed evidence of demyelination. He was treated with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and was discharged to rehab with complete symptom resolution.

Keywords: COVID-19; Neuromuscular disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 2019-nCoV Vaccine mRNA-1273
  • COVID-19*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome* / etiology
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Vaccines*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Vaccines
  • 2019-nCoV Vaccine mRNA-1273